Six Faces Of Peru

Peru’s ancestral Incan landscape offers world-renowned tourism, a bucket-list visit for any keen traveller. The terrain is vast and varied, from soaring Andean peaks to dense Amazon rainforest and deeply sculpted Colca Canyon. Peru boasts awe-inspiring biodiversity; flourishing flora and fauna, incredible birdlife, and the chance to see a fantastic number of species. 

The first leg of our journey begins in bustling Lima, with time to explore the capital’s imposing colonial landmarks and pre-Columbian art. We then fly into the volcanic region of Arequipa, where the dormant giant, El Misti, towers above at 5,800m high. Known as the White City, its Spanish style, Baroque buildings are constructed from white volcanic stone. We’ll explore the historic centre, stopping off at the 16th Century Santa Catalina monastery, dating from the early days of Spanish conquest. 

Next on our tour to Peru, we drive across the arid altiplano, spotting herds of vicuna and llamas grazing. Marvel at the immense wingspan of wild condors rising up on the morning thermals beside the deep ravines of Colca Canyon, one of the natural wonders of the world.

Enjoy a sailing trip to Lake Titicaca’s floating islands before travelling out to Taquile Island for perhaps the best walk of the holiday. Taquile is known for its iconic alpaca wool, hand-dyed traditional colours with local minerals and vegetables. It boasts perhaps the most spectacular views of the holiday across Lake Titicaca to the Andean peaks. 

Once capital of the Incan Empire, we’ll visit the ancient city of Cuzco, standing over 3,000m high in the Peruvian Andes. Enjoy spectacular views of the Sacred Valley as we take an escorted tour to incredible archaeological sites. 

We’ll visit one of the best Andean markets at Pisac, follow winding cobblestone streets to the Incan city of Ollantaytambo, and the incredible ruins of Sacsayhuaman fortress.

A breath-taking train journey takes us to the lost city of Machu Picchu, Peru’s historic sanctuary. An iconic symbol of Inca civilisation, the citadel was built around 1450AD and boasts UNESCO World Heritage status as well as being named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Machu Picchu is the height of urban creation, featuring giant stone walls carved into natural escarpments and outstanding religious, ceremonial, astronomical, and agricultural stone structures. 

We fly from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonaldo, where we then continue by boat down the Madre de Dios for a river cruise to our jungle lodge. We will walk, canoe, and explore the Amazon Rainforest jungle with expert local guides for unique insights. A canoe trip on Lake Sandoval offers the chance to spot giant otters, howler monkeys, macaws, and caiman.